The glorious weather is certainly making it feel like summer is finally here. Here at the community trust we're busy preparing for possibility of any heat waves over the coming months, ensuring all our services are ready for the extra pressures that the NHS comes under when the weather gets very hot. It's really important that you're prepared too! The very young, the elderly and the seriously ill are particularly at risk of health problems when the weather gets too warm. Heart and breathing problems can get much worse in the heat. The NHS choices website has lots of information about how to prepare for the warm weather and things to look out for if we do get a summer heat wave – so it's worth checking it out before the summer really begins.

As the weather gets warmer and we all get outside there are invariably more accidents and injuries – for children in particular. Don't forget we have walk-in-centres in Eastham, Arrowe Park and Victoria Central. They are open seven days a week, and treat things like infections and rashes, burns, strains, hayfever, bites and stings, sunburn and minor cuts and wounds. You don't need an appointment – just walk in!

We also have a minor injuries unit at Victoria Central Health Centre, where we can treat fractures, sprains and strains, minor head injuries, minor eye problems and wounds that need stitches. It's also open 7 days a week and again you don't need an appointment – just turn up.

Meanwhile next week sees the start of Ramadan. Children, the elderly, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people who are ill or have medical conditions are exempt from fasting. For those who are going to fast, nhs choices also has lots of information about how to do so safely and the importance of a healthy diet during Ramadan.

If you read my last column, you'll know we have been authorised as a Foundation Trust, meaning you can now have a formal say on how we provide NHS services to meet your needs. We already have over five and a half thousand people who have become members of the trust and help to shape our services. If you would like to get involved, come along to our member's event on Wednesday 13 July at St Catherine's Health Centre, 6-7:30pm. You don't need to already be a member – just come along and find out about all the different ways to get involved, then join on the night if you want to.

Finally we've just launched our new facebook page! Please like us to keep up with all our news and service information – facebook/nhsbuzz. You can also visit our website for more details about all our services in Wirral and Cheshire East or follow us on Twitter @wirralct